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Dude, you’re not getting a LaserJet!

Reuters is reporting that HP suspects that Dell is planning on launching its own brand of printers, and in retaliation HP will end its printer distribution alliance with Dell. While Dell is remaining tight-lipped about their printer plans, in a way the move makes sense. Why help out the world's new number one PC maker (that's HP for those keeping score) by pimping HP's printers? Of course, Dell finds HP's threats "surprising."

Dell spokesman Mike Maher said his company would still sell HP branded printers that it purchases through distributors, but expressed dismay at HP's decision. "Frankly we're surprised that a company would make it harder for customers to get their hands on their products," he said.

Riiight, like we're all that naive. The real question is, can Dell even whip up a snazzy printer? I suspect that Dell is hoping to work out a branding deal with a company like Lexmark or Epson rather than attempt to forge ahead into essentially what is another business model altogether. And of course, when push comes to shove, Dell won't have any problems finding a distributor to supply them with HP printers if needed.

Ken Fisher
Ken is the founder & Editor-in-Chief of Ars Technica. A veteran of the IT industry and a scholar of antiquity, Ken studies the emergence of intellectual property regimes and their effects on culture and innovation. Emailken@arstechnica.com//Twitter@kenfisher